Walk Amongst the Tombstones Trailer Summary

When watching the trailer for "Walk Amongst the Tombstones" we are instantly made aware that this particular film fits into the sub-genre of Action Thrillers due to the fact that within only 20 seconds of the trailer starting there are a number of typical genre conventions present within the mise en scene including an establishing shot of New York anchoring the genre due to the fact that action thrillers are often set within a big city, the use of props such as guns, the protagonist being male and represented as strong and fearless, the iconography of using Liam Neeson who is well known for his roles in previous action thriller films and the scenes featuring violence and a car chase, all of which are common conventions of this particular genre.

In terms of characters, throughout the trailer the protagonist is male and portrayed at the stereotypical strong hero, his behaviour and stern toned voice gives us as the audience the impression that he is a fearless character who is working as a private detective, who will do anything he is required to do even if it includes killing someone. However from 1 minute into the trailer non digetic sound of slow music has been used to emphasize the more caring and sensitive side of this character therefore making us as an audience connect with the character and as a result encourages us to go and watch the movie. Another typical convention used within this trailer is that it also includes an attractive young woman, therefore encouraging males to watch this move. It is also clear from the trailer that the women in this movie are represented as the stereotypical victims, again a typical convention of action thrillers which often feature a narrative in which a lead male protagonist saves a stereotypical female victim from danger.

The use of star theory has been used effectively throughout this trailer, due to the fact that people watching the trailer will instantly recognise Liam Neeson from his previous roles in action thrillers and therefore if they are fans of his or his previous roles then they will be eager to go and watch "Walk Amongst the Tombstones"

Technical codes such as fast paced editing has been used throughout, anchoring the fact the action within the trailer, also audio codes such as dramatic music ad sound effects such as screaming has been used throughout to add tension and suspense. In terms of cinematography a number of close ups of the protagonists face has been used to show us his emotions and also to create a personal feel for the audience, another convention of action thrillers.

The narrative within the trailer automatically creates an enigma due to the fact that it makes us want to know what happens to the women who have been kidnapped and why the protagonist is no longer a cop. In conclusion the trailer for Walk amongst the tombstones features a number of genre conventions as well as using star theory and creating an enigma therefore encouraging us as an audience to go and watch it.